There is something about the summer that makes you want to get out and go. Even if you're a full-time working parent, summer evokes memories of cookouts and family time, total relaxation and fun excursions. So, start planning!
Sometimes it's hard to find fun places to go with the kids - so I've done a little research for you. Here is a list of some of the most kid-friendly museums around the U.S. for you to check out with your little ones:
Send in the Clowns!
Think that your house is a three-ring circus? Check out Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin for some real clowning around! Located in the original Ringling Brothers Circus Winter Quarters, this National Historic Landmark not only offers daily performances from May to August, but also has really cool exhibits including one on circus animals, fun museum displays and all the cotton candy that the kids (and you!) can eat.
Where to stay:
Ramada Wisconsin Dells: Surrounded by many area restaurants and water parks, this location is ideal for families. You will enjoy enhanced amenities including: free high speed wireless internet access, a free hot waffle breakfast, a heated indoor pool and a fitness center onsite to work off those waffles. There is also a refrigerator and microwave in each room for added convenience.
Days Inn Wisconsin Dells: Centrally located, the Days Inn is surrounded by restaurants, waterparks, boat tours and shops. With both indoor and outdoor pools, this pet-friendly (no cats) location offers free continental breakfast, free wireless and a sun deck with a spectacular view of the Lower Dells.
"A Playground for your Mind"
Who doesn't want their kids to be mentally stimulated during those days off from school? The Children's Museum of Houston offers fourteen galleries for kids of all ages that will entertain them while engaging their minds. Some of my favs includes: Top Secret :Mission Toy where kids can play detective and have a mission of "Breaching Toy Central and testing all toys from across the globe"; The Inventors Workshop where kids can explore concepts through trial and error without instructions or inhibitions; and the Think Tank, a place to solve fun and mind-boggling brain teasers. With many more multicultural exhibits, this museum is sure to be a fun day out.
Where to stay:
Wingate by Wyndham Houston: With a free hot continental breakfast and an indoor heated pool, your family getaway at the Wingate will feature many free amenities. The 100% Satisfaction Guarantee gives you that added peace of mind.
Bells, Whistles and Rails
I don't know about your kids, but my son loves "choo-choos". Come to think of it, I don't know many little boys who don't. The National Toy Train Museum in Strasburg, Pennsylvania, is fun for "children" of all ages who love to make things go. The museum is the educational arm and headquarters for the Train Collectors Association and offers visitors 13,000 square feet of exhibits with little buttons that make trains run, lights illuminate and miniature doors open. To help continue the fun at home, the museum store has a variety of toy trains, accessories, games and books.
Where to stay:
Howard Johnson: Located in Lancaster, this property is a Howard Johnson Golf Medal awarded property and AAA Diamond Rated. The Caribbean Indoor Water Park is located onsite and a Water Park Package includes an overnight stay as well as one-day admission for four at the park.
Days Inn Ronks Lancaster East: The Days Inn East is located just North of the Intersections of Rt. 30 and 896. A bonus for your family? The DayBreak Continental breakfast is free and served daily in the lobby and the Caribbean Indoor Water Park is located nearby.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
Looking for a fun day while teaching your little ones about preserving the environment? Check out the LEED Certified, green museum - Boston Children's Museum. With really cool, hands on exhibits to teach the future generation about the importance of being green, the museum is a must-visit. There are also fun exhibits including a Construction Zone, an arts exhibit and "Boats Afloat" - an exhibit that teaches kids about Boston's urban marine environment and includes an amazing 28 foot, 800 gallon tank that replicates the Fort Point Channel at Children's Wharf, located just outside.
Where to stay:
Wyndham Boston Chelsea: Minutes from downtown and Logan International Airport, Wyndham Boston Chelsea hotel presents a desirable location near Route 1 with immediate access to the New England area and Boston's fabulous restaurants, famous historic nightlife and fun family activities.
Ramada Boston: The Ramada Boston hotel is ideally located four times from historic downtown Boston and seven miles from the airport. This pet-friendly property also has offers guests a pool and onsite restaurant for ease and convenience. The Boston Common, known as one of the oldest public parks in the country, is four miles away.
Looking for more unique museums? How about these:
American Hall of Fame and Police Museum - Titusville, FL
International Spy Museum - Washington, DC
Museum of PEZ Memorabilia - Burlingame, CA
National Museum of Roller Skating - Lincoln, NE
The Toy and Action Figure Museum - Pauls Valley, OK
U.S Astronaut Hall of Fame - Kennedy Space Center, FL
Have other fun or unique museums in your hometown? Do tell!
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